Wednesday evening was leftovers, accompanied by the 2001 Delas "Les Launes"
Crozes-Hermitage. Dark fruit, a hint of meat, but short finish and a little
simple. Some tannins apparent, it might get better, but I'm not going to try.
B/B-

Thursday a former student of Betsy's came ot dinner. During cooking and through
first course (chicken and napa cabbage soup), the 2002 Verget "Le Clos"
Mcon-Bussieres. I can't really get a grip on this negociant- I liked a simple
Bourgogne-Chitry, but was underwhelmed by some Chablis and a Meursault. This
does show a little oak, but good (if almost overripe) white fruit and some
limestone minerality. Not a bad deal at $10-11, though it doesn't show
especially Mconnais-ish. B/B+

Main course was fresh rice noodles in a cinnamon-beef stirfry, not exactly the
most wine-friendly dish. So went with an inexpensive red (our guest is a
red-drinker), the 2002 Iché "Les Hérétiques" Vin de Pays de l'Hérault.
Blackberry *fruit with earth and grilled meat notes, quite the deal at $7. B+

Friday Betsy went to a friend's home and did some cooking, at 7 I walked over
there. As we chatted in kitchen I had a glass of 2002 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc (
Marlborough). Clear NZ SB fruit (gooseberry and citrus), lingering finish, nice
wine. B/B+

Dinner was a pork roast, wrapped in pancetta with garlic and sage (I had
thought Betsy was using rosemary, but she switched plan), accompanied by
Rachel's winter greens. I had brought the 2001 Lafarge Bourgogne. Clear cherry
fruit (ok, maybe blurred slightly by a raspberry note), a distinct earthy
aroma, good finish. Great pure pinot flavors. A-/B+ I confess I was only one
really enamored of this, Joe and Rachel tend to like bigger riper reds. Their
fave of evening was the 2001 Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel. Big ripe zin-berry
fruit, some vanilla. A little much for me (and for the food, imho). B
There was also a bottle of the Colombo "Les Abeilles" Côtes du Rhône. Pleasant
simple quaffer that is very typical CdR (with all that implies, good and bad).
B-
Good night with good friends.

Saturday Betsy made a recipe she calls "Chinese Chicken" - stewed chicken is
pulled off the bone, topped with lots of scallions, a sauce using soy sauce and
sesame oil, then platter gets hot peanut oil over whole thing. This recipe has
a sentimental place in our history, and is always accompanied by
Gewürztraminer. This time it was the 2002 Pierre Frick "Rot Murlé"
Gewurztraminer (Alsace). A biodynamique wine, complete with Demeter seal. And
topped with a ...crown cap. Lush flowery nose, loads of lychee fruit with notes
of spice and gingerbread. Very very good. A-/B+
(by only complaint with the crown cap is then I have to find a cork for the
leftovers).

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B
a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party
where it was only choice.
Dale

Dale Williams
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